Legislature Makes Investments in Major Maintenance Infrastructure
One of the highlights of the 2018 Legislative Session from MBI’s perspective was the Legislature’s commitment to funding “major maintenance” in the RIIF budget. RIIF stands for Rebuild Iowa’s Infrastructure Fund. RIIF is funded by gaming and casino revenues, and is the primary source for public infrastructure-related expenditures. The General Assembly in 1995 created RIIF to fund such projects, and MBI has always fought hard to protect the fund and ensure that the limited money is spent appropriately. According to the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) who these projects fall under, major maintenance is defined as:

“expenditures made beyond the regular, normal upkeep of physical properties for the repair or replacement of failed or failing building components as necessary to return a facility to its currently intended use, to prevent further damage, or to make it compliant with changes in laws, regulations, codes or standards.” 

As of February 2018, unfunded major maintenance projects under the State’s purview exceeded $320 million, according to DAS. Past history has shown an insufficient level of funding that has declined for major maintenance, when compared to needs:

Fiscal Year 2015: $14 million
Fiscal Year 2016: $14.6 million
Fiscal Year 2017: $9.5 million
Fiscal Year 2018: $11.5 million

However, MBI supported efforts of lawmakers this session to increase the level of funding to chip away at the gap. We are encouraged and pleased to report that the Legislature put $24.5 million towards major maintenance this year. They also made a $20 million commitment for the next four years. That equates to over $100 million for the next five years. They also included language that prioritized the repair of the State Historical Museum’s roof at $3.3 million. This is definitely a worthy project in desperate need of fixing.

While this will not completely solve the problem, we are appreciative of lawmakers making this a priority. A special thanks for Sen. Craig Johnson (R-Independence) and Rep. Dan Huseman (R-Aurelia) for their leadership as joint Chairs of the Transportation, Infrastructure, and Capital Appropriations Subcommittee. We look forward to working with them next year on securing funding for the renovation and expansion of the University of Northern Iowa’s ITC Center. 
MBI Construction Golf Classic & Smoker
See you at the 19 th !
For eighteen years, MBI has brought together construction colleagues from throughout the state to participate in the MBI-PAC’s top fundraising event. The “Smoker” is a great way to share good times with industry partners and play golf at Iowa’s premier golf venue, all while supporting the industry’s important and influential political action committee. For instance, last year’s event attracted over 150 golfers and over 40 different companies served as sponsors for the event.

Event Details:  
August 13, 2018
Wakonda Club
3915 Fleur Drive
Des Moines, IA
$425/person
$1,700/team
**Registration is open now

Sponsorship Details:  The “Smoker” offers a wide array of unique sponsorship opportunities from which you may choose for your company. Sponsoring the golf outing provides your firm great access to Iowa’s leading construction companies, coupled with valuable advertising and incentive packages. MBI appreciates the commitment of past sponsors and gives those companies priority in securing sponsorship spots for each respective event.  However, there are a few spots that remain open . 

Please email Ben Hammes at  bhammes@mbionline.com  for information on sponsorship availability or to reserve your team today!  
Want Less Paper? The MBI App Could Be Your Solution
You may have heard that the MBI Mobile App is now ready for download from the App Store and Google Play Store; but did you know that it can also prevent paper in your mailbox?

By downloading the app and logging in with your MBI credentials, you allow MBI to push notifications to your mobile device as reminders, rather than MBI sending you more paper in the mail.

In addition, the mobile app allows you to register for events and gives you one touch contact information for all MBI members and staff.

For questions on the app you can contact Micah Loveless at MLoveless@mbionline.com .
Download the NEW MBI App!
There are only 11 days left to submit your MB "EYE" on the Future nominations! Fill out the nomination form today by clicking here . Nominations close on May 25th.